VIRVA HINNEMO

My work has always been grounded by perception and for many years I worked from life.  While my work has become more abstract, I still feel that strong connection to all things real. I don't paint from life anymore but the memory of working with those kinds of elements feels very much alive. My mind sifts through all kinds of familiar associations fueling the work with a lighter subject some of the time and with more weight at other times. I'm driven to make something that can stand on its' own. Using my hands to make things has always struck me as constructive. To this day I devote pleasurable time making a variety of things/objects that are useful in my life and to my family. But painting is different and occupies another kind of space in my mind. Joy, disappointment, agony, determination, willfulness all wrapped up in the minutes and hours. My paintings, whether they're made on paper, cardboard, canvas or linen all share the same need to be fresh, surprising, inventive and bold. Every time I go into the studio I want to learn something. See something. Get clued in.